Analysis Of Plato's Crito

Crito is a dialogue written by ancient Greek philosopher Plato. The dialogue is between Crito and Socrates and it takes place in Socrates’ jail cell, where he awaits execution. The discussion consists of both Crito and Socrates trying to determine whether escape would be a moral decision. They explore the idea of justice, injustice, and how they should act to be in good moral standing. Socrates agrees that he will escape if they can find that action to be just, if not he is content awaiting his execution instead.

In Plato’s Crito, Crito is attempting to persuade Socrates to escape from his jail cell, additionally escaping his execution sentence. Crito’s first argument is that Socrates not escaping will hurt Crito. The majority of people will think badly of Crito, for not doing enough, and Crito will lose a close friend. When Socrates is presented with Crito’s plea to escape and first reason, which states how one must pay attention to the opinion of the majority, he replies with his first argument. Socrates replies, “We must therefore examine whether we should act in this way or not… Would it be by taking up first your argument about the about the opinions of men, whether it is sound in every case that one should pay attention to some opinions, but not to others?” Crito is

Andy Adams, a writer for The Literature Network states, “Socrates concentrates on three certain statements throughout this dialogue. The first is that one ought to live rightly, the second is one ought to never do wrong, and the last one is one ought to keep agreements” (Adams, 2016). While Crito attempts to give “just” arguments, he fails in doing so because of the reasoning he uses. Socrates’ arguments all revolve around doing what is good and just, which ultimately led to the decision of not escaping his execution. Although Socrates was killed, he was killed as a wise and just